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10 Steps to a DIY Financial Plan

Key Points

People have a misconception that a financial plan is only for the wealthy and that it costs too much to create one.

No matter how much money you have, you can start with a DIY financial plan and all it will cost you is time.

With a basic plan in place, you can feel more confident about your finances, and when the time comes that you might need the help of a professional, you'll be that much farther ahead.

Dear Readers,

Often when I talk about the importance of a financial plan, I see people start to squirm. There's something about the topic that makes them uncomfortable. When I dig a little deeper to find out why, two reasons regularly come up: either people don't think they have enough money to warrant a financial plan or they think a financial plan costs too much. And no matter how often I try to debunk these myths, it's hard to change someone's preconception.

It's a challenge for sure, but I'm such a firm believer that everyone needs a financial plan that I'm going to give it another try by showing you how you can actually be your own financial planner. It doesn't require that you have a lot of money—and it doesn't have to cost you a penny. If you're willing to spend a little time, you can actually do it yourself. Here's how.

10 Steps to a DIY Financial Plan

Write down your goals—One of the first things a financial planner would ask you is what you want your money to accomplish. So that's the first thing you should ask yourself. What are your short-term needs? What do you want to accomplish in the next 5 to 10 years? What are you saving for long-term? It's easy to talk about goals in general, but get really specific and write them down. Which goals are most important to you? How much will you have to save to achieve them? Identifying and prioritizing your goals will act as a motivator as you dig into your financial details.

Create a net worth statement—Achieving your goals takes understanding where you stand today. To find out if you're being realistic, you need to know what you have. First, make a list of all your assets—things like bank and investment accounts, real estate and valuable personal property. Now make a list of all your debts: mortgage, credit cards, student loans—everything. Subtract your liabilities from your assets and you have your net worth. If you're in the plus, great. If you're in the minus, that’s not at all uncommon for those just starting out, but it does point out that you have some work to do. But whatever it is, you can use this number as a benchmark against which you can measure your progress.

Review your cash flow—Cash flow simply means money in (your income) and money out (your expenses). How much money do you earn each month? Be sure to include all sources of income. Now look at what you spend each month, including any expenses that may only come up once or twice a year. Do you consistently overspend? Do you often have extra cash you could direct toward your goals?

Zero in on your budget—Your cash flow analysis will let you know what you're spending. Zeroing in on your budget will let you know how you're spending. Write down your essential expenses such as mortgage, insurance, food, transportation, utilities and loan payments. Don't forget irregular and periodic big-ticket items such vehicle repair/replacement costs, out of pocket health care costs and real estate taxes. Then write down nonessentials—restaurants, entertainment, even clothes. Does your income easily cover all of this? Are savings a part of your monthly budget? Examining your expenses helps you plan and budget when you’re building an emergency fund. It will also help you determine if what you’re spending money on lines up with what is most important to you.

Focus on debt management—Debt can derail you, but not all debt is bad. Some debt, like a mortgage, can work in your favor provided that you’re not overextended. It's high-interest consumer debt like credit cards that you want to avoid. Try to follow the 28/36 guideline suggesting no more than 28 percent of pre-tax income goes toward home debt, no more than 36 percent toward all debt. Look at each specific debt to decide when and how you'll systematically pay it down.

Get your retirement savings on track—Whatever your age, retirement saving needs to be part of your financial plan. The earlier you start, the less you'll likely have to save each year. You might be surprised by just how much you'll need—especially when you factor in healthcare costs. But if you begin saving early, you may be surprised to find that even a little bit over time can make a big difference. Calculate how much you will need and contribute to a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored plan or an IRA. Save what you can and gradually try and increase your savings rate as your earnings increase. Whatever you do, don't put it off.

Check in with your portfolio—If you're an investor, when was the last time you took a close look at your portfolio? (And if you’re not an investor, think carefully about becoming one!) Market ups and downs can have a real effect on the relative percentage of stocks and bonds you own—even when you do nothing. And even an up market can throw your portfolio out of alignment with your feelings about risk. Don't be complacent. Review and rebalance on at least an annual basis.

Make sure you have the right insurance—Having adequate insurance is an important part of protecting your finances.We all need health insurance, and most of us also need car and homeowner's or renter's insurance. While you’re working, disability insurance helps protect your future earnings and ability to save. You might also want a supplemental umbrella policy based on your occupation and net worth. Finally, you should consider life insurance, especially if you have dependents. Review your policies to make sure you have the right type and amount of coverage.

Know your income tax situation—The Tax Jobs and Cuts Act of 2017 changed a number of deductions, credits and tax rates beginning in 2018. For instance, while personal exemptions have been eliminated, standard deductions have increased significantly, making it less likely that you will need to itemize deductions like charitable contributions or mortgage interest when filing. Now would be a good time to review your withholding, estimated taxes and any tax credits you may have qualified for in the past. The IRS has provided tips and information at https://www.irs.gov/tax-reform. Taking advantage of tax sheltered accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s can help you save money on taxes. You may also want to check in with your accountant.

Create or update your estate plan—At the minimum, have a will—especially to name a guardian for minor children. Also check that beneficiaries on your retirement accounts and insurance policies are up-to-date. Complete an advance healthcare directive and assign powers of attorney for both finances and healthcare. Medical directive forms are sometimes available online or from your doctor or hospital. Working with an estate planning attorney is recommended to help you plan for complex situations and if you need more help.

To me, a financial plan can be especially important if you don't have a lot of money because it can help you get on the path to greater financial strength. Think of it like a roadmap. Whether you need to reduce spending and debt, up your savings, or just refine the details, once you know where you are and where you need to go—you’ll have a sense of direction. Then take necessary action steps and commit to moving forward. A financial planner can help you build on your work if you want additional guidance, analysis, and direction. And if the time comes that you think you’ll benefit from the help of a professional, you'll be that much farther ahead.

Have a personal finance question? Email us ataskcarrie@schwab.com. Carrie cannot respond to questions directly, but your topic may be considered for a future article. For Schwab account questions and general inquiries,contact Schwab.

Rebalancing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets.

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The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner or investment manager.

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